Diverse, inclusive local startups for a better tomorrow

Aiming to showcase the best of the Philippine startup scene, tech startup accelerator IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc. held its second virtual Demo Day on Jan. 20 highlighting the work of 14 startups in its 2021 Accelerator Program.

Centering on the theme, “The Future, Our Way”, IdeaSpace featured a diverse and inclusive line-up of startups hailing from all over the country and working in various fields to create a better and more sustainable future for all.

“IdeaSpace celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and our startup ecosystem has changed dramatically since 2012 when we first began operations. The startups that we are showcasing are proof of that. We continue to believe that the elusive first Philippine unicorn is not that far away on the horizon,” Butch Meily, IdeaSpace president, said in his opening remarks.

Kicking off the lineup was Betterteem, a startup focused on providing employee experience solutions and industry-specific actionable insights to businesses and enabling employees with tools that can foster continuous feedback and growth.

Twala utilizes blockchain smart contract technology to enable the digital transformation of businesses by allowing them to easily sign legally binding documents online using any laptop or smartphone and issuing tamper-proof digital credentials.

Through online platforms and a suite of digital services, Xperto aims to help businesses unlock the potential of professional networks as dynamic sources of relevant professional development and life-long learning.

Digitalization is also transforming the health and fitness sector. Splore offers consumers personalized workout programs and classes through a virtual fitness community.

Meanwhile, Fitscovery aims to connect the global fitness sector by offering companies digital platforms to create fitness businesses online and allowing consumers to find trainers and workouts.

Cebu-based Xalmeds brings an accessible and convenient online ordering and quick delivery service to consumers, directly sourcing from manufacturers and fellow importers, and utilizing technology to keep medicine prices and operating costs lower.

Seeking to disrupt the real estate industry, Instahomes aims to give SME property developers access to the digital economy and creating a legally-secure property portal.

Focusing on automotive retail, Pieza PH offers a digital marketplace with end-to-end online selling services such as product cataloging, multi-channel selling, and marketing, up to logistics support nationwide.

OMG! (Oh My Genie!) makes accessible logistics its mission as it aims to offer ultra-fast 30-minute deliveries for online stores in the Visayas-Mindanao region.

Peddlr seeks to empower micro and small businesses with a digital infrastructure that offers an easy-to-use POS system and expenses ledger alongside standard, scalable digital solutions fit for sari-sari store businesses.

Further innovating in underserved markets, Dirt Bag aims to revolutionize the laundry industry in the Philippines by powering its services with technology and logistics – providing convenience and access to its customers while helping laundry business owners maximize their market potential.

Pic-A-Talk gives voice to the voiceless, working with speech language pathologists and special education teachers to offer people with communication disorders and disabilities with an augmentative alternative communication app that is personalized for each user.

Circula Recoon aims to be at the forefront of helping Filipinos transition towards a zero-landfill future and a stable circular economy through its Trash Panda recoverable waste collection service.

Last but not least is MAD (Make a Difference) Courses, which focuses on bringing sustainability education to schools and universities through a combination of live interactions, real-life case studies and automated video content, enabling students to connect to leaders for social innovation, local communities, indigenous tribes, and fellow students.

Meanwhile, Core Capital, alongside Gobi Partners, is looking to further expand the Philippine startup ecosystem through the Gobi-Core Philippines fund, a leading venture capital firm investing in emerging and underserved markets across Asia.